Well-known Member

Basically my exposure to classical music has been the typical stuff used in tv adverts or films. I've caught a few other pieces on the radio, and felt complete opposite reaction from one to another. So, what i'm basicaly after is a selection of cd's - covering a very broad spectrum intially, so that i can narrow down what i like/dislike.

Can anyone recommend a set of good quality recordings, maybe specifically designed for the use mentioned above?

Active Member

Get 'The Yellow Guide' by Deutsche Grammophon. It's a three disc set with a collection of classic popular recordings that pretty much everyone will like (or, at the very least, you're bound to find things you like, even if it's not all your cup of tea), and will help you to get started.

Moderator

Have a look her for some suggestions what is easy accessible classical music. http://www.avforums.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=73036
The Planet Suite by Holst is one of the more easy accessible pieces in my opinion as every track is a main piece rather than a main tune with a lot filling in.
Also try your record library they will have a vast selection of compilation CDs and full works which you can listen to before deciding on a purchase.

Moderator

I just have been out and got hold of a double CD which has a lot of cracking tracks onit is called The Most Relaxing Album in the World. It has some of the tracks mentioned in that other post. Go here http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos...92758/sr=1-2/ref=sr_1_2_2/202-5340217-7547016
Number 20 is one of my all-time favourites I asked them to play it where I got it and thay said it was like a funeral march
23 is a very beautiful piece.

Moderator

I either missed that one Ian or they never showed it in my region. The first time I heard it was in the film Rollerball. (What was the advert Ian.?) I then was reading a book called Wild Card and they described a piece of music and named it, it described it so well I knew it was the same. I when and got it and it was the right piece.
I later went and got the Rollerball soundtrack, but I think there is a mistake played on it.

I do not know if Im in the right area Ian but by baroque, but did you ever watch The Prisoner in one episode they played some classical stuff which I think may have been baroque, the episode was called The Girl Who Was Death. A lot of the stuff was played on the oboe. The music wasnt the sort you could whistle to but was very emotive.